Home/News/Col. Arnald Gabriel (United States Air Force, Retired) to conduct at District 214 Symphonic Band Festival

Col. Arnald Gabriel (United States Air Force, Retired) to conduct at District 214 Symphonic Band Festival

District 214 is excited to host retired US Air Force Colonel Arnald Gabriel as a guest conductor for the District 214 Symphonic Band Festival. An icon of the band world, Col. Arnald D. Gabriel retired from the United States Air Force in 1985 following a distinguished 36 year military career, at which time he was awarded his third Legion of Merit for his service to the United States Air Force and to music education throughout the country.

He served as Commander/Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants from 1964 to 1985. In 1990, he was named the first Conductor Emeritus of the USAF Band at a special concert held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. Col.

A combat machine gunner with the United States Army’s famed 29th Infantry Division that stormed Normandy in France during WW II, Gabriel received two awards of the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. On November 10, 2016, Gabriel was awarded Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction.

At 92 years of age, Col. Gabriel continues to be an amazing musician, conductor and teacher. You can learn more about Col. Gabriel’s outstanding career in the military and music education at http://www.colgabriel.com/.

Col. Gabriel will work with the Symphonic Bands from Buffalo Grove, Hersey and Wheeling High Schools on both February 14th and 15th. The District 214 Symphonic Band Festival will be held on February 15th at 7:30pm at Buffalo Grove High School.